In 2020, OperaKUL was to come back bigger and better than before! What was once a week-end long event, was to be a festival spanning months across 2020. Unfortunately, due to the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, many of the events had to be pushed forward to 2021. However, we were fortunate enough to present events during the second half of 2020 with the theme: “OperaKUL-er than ever!”. Together with the #SaveMYOpera campaign that ran during the Movement Control Order (MCO), Here were the events under our OperaKUL 2020.
LATINO MUSICALE BY THE UITM QUARTET
VENUE: KLCO Studio
DATE: 8th August — 9th August, 2020
The first performance for OperaKUL 2020 started off with Latino Musicale by the UiTM Quartet and directed by our resident conductor, Dr. Juan Montoya. Bringing the Latin styles of composers such as Bambucos, Pasillos, and more, the quartet brought to life the rhythmic vigor of Latin music in KLCO Studio. This performance was also graced by the presence of the Ambassador of Colombia as well as representatives from the Embassy of Uruguay.
Musicals Inspired by Opera
Venue: KLCO Studio
Date: 22nd August — 23rd August, 2020
Following up after Latino Musicale was another engaging performance; KLCO was proud to present Musicals Inspired by Opera. This concert showcased music from musicals that were inspired by opera in one way or another such as The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, and so on.
With an abundance of different kinds of music, the audiences were constantly surprised and moved by the performances. Providing the accompaniment for the performances were none other than Elaine Toon and Alice Ang Ying Ying, our lovely regulars at KLCO. With three fully sold-out shows, we managed to raise RM2,700 for the SaveMYOpera campaign.
“Opera Arias in Perspective” by Dr. Bernard Tan
Venue: KLCO Studio
Date: 6th September, 2020
Another anticipated event was the lecture and masterclass by Dr. Bernard Tan, a Malaysian pianist, vocal coach and opera répétiteur. The lecture presented on various topics centering on operatic arias, including its context in operas, performance tips on a concert stage, character building, connection to texts, and the nature of piano playing for arias.
The seven performers were given thoughtful and practical guidance on their performances in which they responded with eager questions for Dr. Bernard. The singers sang arias from a variety of operas such as "I Capuleti e i Montecchi” by Bellini, “La bohéme” by Puccini and “Don Giovanni” by Mozart.
UntukMu 3:0
Venue: KLCO Studio
Date: 12th September — 13th September, 2020
An annual treat for Malaysians alike to celebrate Malaysia Day; commemorating the unification of Sabah and Sarawak with Peninsular Malaysia. Our 3rd rendition of UntukMu, titled UntukMu 3.0, brought a series of Malaysian patriotic songs in a variety of local languages to our audience members. Sung by members of KLCO Chorus and guests, it was truly a heartwarming tribute to Malaysia Day that we are proud of.
